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2021

9/10 September 
EU Co-Chair of the EU-UK Joint Committee Maroš Šefčovič visits Northern Ireland delivers a speech on the Protocol at Queen's University Belfast before holding a press conference.

6 September 
In a statement to the House of Lords, UK Co-Chair of the EU-UK Joint Committee and Cabinet Office Minister, Lord Frost, announces a unilateral extension to “grace periods and easements currently in force” in respect to the Protocol.

A European Commission statement in response ‘took note’ of the UK decision and said that it “is not opening any new infringements” against the UK “for now” but the EU reserved its rights to do so.

3/4 September
Taoiseach Micheál Martin delivers a speech at the British-Irish Association annual conference on Northern Ireland, the Protocol and UK–Ireland relates. Later, UK Co-Chair of the EU-UK Joint Committee, Lord Frost, also delivers a speech at the conference, mainly focusing on the Protocol.

27 July
European Commission pauses legal action against the UK for alleged breaches of the Withdrawal Agreement and publishes examples of flexibilities identified by the Commission to facilitate full implementation of the Protocol.

26 July
European Commission publishes non-papers setting out proposals for the implementation of the Protocol in respect to medicines and SPS measures.

21 July
UK Government publish Northern Ireland Protocol: the way forward noting that the Protocol is “failing” to deliver on its objectives and calls for “significant changes” to be made. 

9 July
UK Co-Chair of the EU-UK Joint Committee, Lord Frost, gives evidence to a Northern Ireland Assembly Committee on the implementation of the Protocol.

1 July
In his first speech as DUP leader Donaldson identifies removal of “the Irish Sea border’s pernicious impact on [NI’s] trading and constitutional position” as one of five core objectives.

30 June
Sir Jeffery Donaldson MP is confirmed as new DUP leader after receiving the backing of the party’s electoral college with 32 out of 36 votes.

High Court in Belfast dismisses an application for judicial review against the Protocol.

European Commission set out a package of measures to address issues related to the Protocol, including a three-month extension to the grace period for checks and controls on chilled meat products moving GB-NI as per a recent UK government request. 

28 June
EU Co-Chair of the EU-UK Joint Committee, Maroš Šefčovič, gives evidence to a Northern Ireland Assembly Committee on the Protocol.

European Commission adopts two adequacy decisions for the UK that will enable data sharing in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Law Enforcement Directive. 

25 June
The UK-EU Joint Committee's first Annual Rreport on the functioning of the Withdrawal Agreement is published.

2021

18 June
Recently appointed DUP leader, Edwin Poots, resigns amid internal party tensions.

17 June
DUP MLA, Paul Givan, and Sinn Féin deputy leader, Michelle O’Neill, are confirmed as Northern Ireland’s new First and deputy First Ministers respectively. Nominated by new DUP leader, Edwin Poots, the appointment of Givan was taken forward despite internal opposition with many DUP representatives unhappy with a decision to agree a compromise whereby the UK government will pass Irish language legislation in October if it is not earlier introduced at Stormont. 

UK government make formal request to extend the grace period for preparations for new checks and controls on chilled meat products moving GB-NI due to expire on 30 June. 

16 June
UK Co-Chair of the Joint Committee, Lord Frost, gives evidence to the Northern Ireland Affairs Committee.

14 June
Arlene Foster calls on NI politicians to “be good neighbours” to each other in her last statement to the Assembly as First Minister.

10 June
At the G7 Summit, US President Joe Biden and UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson sign a New Atlantic Charter and issue a joint statement setting out shared priorities including a ‘commitment to Northern Ireland’ . This comes after it emerged the US had issued a démarche – formal diplomatic reprimand – to the UK government over its position on the Protocol.

9 June
In separate statements following the sevent meeting of the EU-UK Joint Committee meeting, UK Co-Chair Lord Frost and EU Co-Chair Maroš Šefčovič both reiterate commitment to the 1998 Agreement but make clear there remain disagreements over the Protocol. 

European Commission publish examples of flexibilities identified to ensure implementation of the Protocol and a comparison of checks required on third country goods. 

1 June
Northern Ireland Agriculture Minister and DUP leader Edwin Poots announces an extension to a delay on the introduction of checks on pets travelling GB-NI required under the Protocol.

24-25 May
European Council conclusions state the Withdrawal Agreement, including its Protocols, and the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, “should be fully and effectively implemented and their governance structures made operational".

24 May
DUP leader Edwin Poots describes the Protocol as “undeliverable” and indicates he may order officials to halt checks on goods entering NI from GB.

19 May
Representatives of the Loyalist Communities Council give evidence to the House of Commons Northern Ireland Affairs Committee during the session, 19-year-old loyalist generates some alarm claiming that “he would not rule [violence] off the table” when it comes to resisting the Protocol.

Irish Central Statistics Office figures show 44% increase in exports from Northern Ireland to the Republic of Ireland and 22% increase in Republic of Ireland exports to Northern Ireland in the first quarter of 2021.

17 May
Doug Beattie is elected as the new leader of the Ulster Unionist Party.

15 May
UK Co-Chair of the EU-UK Joint Committee, Lord Frost says the Protocol "cannot be sustained for long” if it "operates so as to damage the political, social, or economic fabric of life" in Northern Ireland.

14 May
Edwin Poots is elected as new DUP leader.

Prime Minister and Taoiseach meet at Chequers to discuss the future of British-Irish relations and reiterate support for the 1998 Agreement. High Court in Belfast hears arguments against the Protocol in legal challenge brought by cross-party group of Unionist politicians.

8 May
Steve Aiken announces his resignation as leader of the Ulster Unionist Party. 

7 May
Unionist leaders write to the UK Prime Minister, the Taoiseach, the US President and European Commission Vice-President expressing concern about the Protocol.

5 May
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis and Ireland's Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney meet in Dublin. In a joint statement they commit to convening the British-Irish Intergovernmental Conference in June.

2021

29 April
European Parliament votes to ratify the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement with 660 MEPs voting in favour and 5 against; 32 abstained. EU Co-chair of the EU-UK Joint Committee, Maros Šefčovič releases a statement reaffirming the EU’s commitment to the full implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement and Protocol.

28 April
Arlene Foster announces her resignation as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party and First Minister in the Northern Ireland Executive.

A planned North-South Ministerial Council meeting of rural development and agriculture ministers is cancelled after Northern Ireland's Agriculture Minister, Edwin Poots, declines to attend.

26 April
A cross-party group of political and religious leaders write to the Prime Minister demanding “urgent” intervention following violent unrest in loyalist areas and at interfaces in Belfast.

22 April
European Parliament resolution on EU-UK negotiations calls on the UK government to “act in good faith and fully implement the terms of the agreements it has signed” and calls on the Commission to “pursue with vigour” its infringement proceedings against the UK.

16 April
A planned North-South Ministerial Council meeting of transport ministers is cancelled because no unionist representative from the Northern Ireland Executive is nominated to attend. 

15 April
Co-Chairs of the Joint Committee hold an informal meeting. Lord Frost describes the meeting as “constructive”, Maros Šefčovič says it took place in a “solution-driven atmosphere”.

13 April
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Brandon Lewis makes a statement in the House of Commons about recent violence and disorder in Northern Ireland.

8 April
Northern Ireland Assembly is recalled for a debate on support for the rule of law after successive nights of violent riots in Loyalist/Unionist areas and at interface areas of Belfast.

26 March
Seventh meeting of Specialised Committee on the Protocol is held in a "constructive atmosphere" according to statements from the UK and EU. 

17 March
US President Joe Biden and Taoiseach Micheál Martin release joint statement stating their unequivocal commitment to the Belfast 'Good Friday' Agreement. 

15 March
European Commission sends letter of formal notice to UK Government from breach of obligations under the Protocol following unilateral extention of "grace periods". 

A Judicial Review application brought by unionist politicians against the Protocol is heard in the Royal Courts of Justice in Belfast. 

12 March
Prime Minister Boris Johnson visits Northern Ireland but does not hold talks with political parties. 

3 March
Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Brandon Lewis, announces unilateral extensions to "grace periods" previously agreed by the EU-UK Joint Committee for supermarkets and their suppliers until 1 October 2021. EU Co-Chair of the EU-UK Joint Committee Maroš Šefčovič expresses "strong concerns" about the UK's action. Frost and Šefčovič discuss the UK's announcement by telephone. 

2021

27 February
Junior Northern Ireland Executive Minister Gordon Lyons instructs officials in the Department for Agriculture Environment and Rural Affairs to temporarily halt work on the construction of permanent Border Control Posts at ports. 

24 February
EU-UK Joint Committee holds first official meeting since the end of the Transition Period. Co-chairs, Lord Frost described the meeting as “constructive”, Maroš Šefčovič release a joint statement describing “the importance of joint action to make the Protocol work for the benefit of everyone in Northern Ireland”.

23 February
Sixth meeting of the Specialised Committee on the Protocol takes place, no statements are made.

17 February
Lord Frost replaces Michael Gove as UK Co-Chair of the EU-UK Joint Committee.

11 February
Co-Chairs of the EU-UK Joint Committee Michael Gove and Maroš Šefčovič issue a joint statement after "a frank but constructive" discussion about the implementation of the Protocol and outstanding issues. 

10 February
EU Co-Chair of the EU-UK Joint Committee, Maroš Šefčovič responds to letter from UK Co-Chair Michael Gove sent on 2 February. 

2 February
UK Co-Chair of the EU-UK Joint Committee, Michael Gove writes to EU Co-Chair Maroš Šefčovič about the near-triggering of Article 16. 

DUP publishes a ‘Five Point Plan’ to “free” Northern Ireland from the Protocol.

1 February
NI Agriculture Minister Edwin Poots announces the withdrawal of staff implementing Protocol related checks from Belfast and Larne ports due to safety concerns.

29 January
A draft piece of EU legislation includes a clause that would have ‘triggered’ the Article 16 safeguard measure in the Protocol. Following immediate and widespread criticism of the move the Commission release a statement withdrawing the draft measure and commit to redrafting the legislation.

13 January 
Prime Minister Boris Johnson says goods are "flowing effectively" and in normal volumes between Great Britain and Northern Ireland and describes supply chain disruptions as "teething problems". 

1 January 
Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland enters fully into force.

2020

31 December
The transition period ends at 11pm. EU-UK relations are governed according to the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement, including the Protocol, and the Trade and Cooperation Agreement that applies provisionally, pending ratification by the European Parliament.

30 December
UK Parliament is recalled and passes the European Union (Future Relationship) Act 2020 that gives effect to the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement in domestic law. The Northern Ireland Assembly votes 47 to 38 in favour of a motion declining consent to  the EU (Future Relationship) Act.

29 December
The Council of the EU adopt a decision on the signing of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement and its provisional application, pending a consent vote in the European Parliament in early 2021.

24 December
An agreement is reached on the terms of EU-UK future relations, the text of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement is sealed. The Prime Minister says the deal allows the UK to “take back control” and European Commission President says it is a “fair and balanced” deal – EU Chief Negotiator also makes some remarks.

Irish Higher Education Minister Simon Harris announces Irish government commitment to provide funding for Northern Ireland students to continue to participate in Erasmus.

17 December
At a virtual meeting the EU-UK Joint Committee formally endorse five decisions and a series of unilateral decisions regarding the implementation of the Protocol. Fifth meeting of the Specialised Committee on the Protocol also takes place, no statements are made. UK Internal Market Act 2020 receives Royal Assent.

9 December
UK Co-chair of the EU-UK Joint Committee Michael Gove delivers a statement to the House of Commons on decisions reached with the EU regarding the implementation of the Protocol. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Prime Minister Boris Johnson hold talks about UK-EU negotiations over dinner.

8 December
A joint statement from co-chairs of the EU-UK Joint Committee announces their agreement in principle on issues related to the implementation of the Protocol. In view of the agreement, the UK Government withdraws the clauses of the UK Internal Market Bill that led to EU infringement proceedings.

5 December
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speak and later issue a statement on the progress of EU-UK negotiations. They note significant differences remain on three issues: level playing field, governance and fisheries. 

18 November
In response to an Urgent Question, Minister of State in the Northern Ireland Office updates the House of Commons on preparations to implement the Protocol.

5 November
Fourth meeting of the Specialised Committee on the Protocol takes place.

21 October 
EU Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier delivers a speech in the European Parliament on the progress of EU-UK negotiations. Prime Minister delivers a statement on EU-UK negotiations and invites the EU team to London to resume negotiations later in the week.

19 October
EU-UK Joint Committee meets. Michael Gove gives a statement to the House of Commons, updating MPs on the UK’s negotiations with the EU and the work of the Joint Committee.

16 October
Prime Minister Boris Johnson makes a statement on negotiations with the EU, suspending the future relationship negotiations, concluding that the UK should prepare for an ‘Australian-style’ trade deal.

15 October
European Council meets. The conclusions from the Council reaffirm the EU’s original negotiating mandate. 

10 October
Third meeting of the EU-UK Specialised Committee on the Protocol takes place.

1 October
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announces the EU will initiate legal proceedings to prevent the UK from trying to use domestic legislation to override aspects of the Withdrawal Agreement.

2020

28 September
The EU-UK Joint Committee meets. In a statement following the meeting, EU Co-Chair Maroš Šefčovič reiterates the EU’s opposition to the UK Internal Market Bill.

16 September
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen warns the UK Government against reneging on the Withdrawal Agreement and Protocol in her first ‘State of the Union’ address.

11 September
The European Parliament UK Coordination Group says the Parliament will refuse consent to a UK-EU future relationship deal if the UK disregard the Withdrawal Agreement.

10 September
Extraordinary meeting of the EU-UK Joint Committee held to discuss the UK Internal Market Bill and the implementation of the Protocol. The UK Government publishes its legal position on the UK Internal Market Bill and the Protocol; the European Commission makes a statement rejecting the UK argument that its UK Internal Market Bill is necessary to protect the 1988 Agreement.

9 September
The UK Internal Market Bill is introduced to the House of Commons. The bill includes clauses to disapply aspects of the Protocol.

16 July
Second meeting of the EU-UK Specialised Committee on the Protocol takes place. UK Government publishes a White Paper on the UK Internal Market ahead of introducing a dedicated Bill to parliament.

2020

30 June
The deadline for the UK to request an extension to the transition period, due to conclude at the end of December, passes.

25 June
European Council adopts conclusions on EU-UK relations.

15 June
Prime Minister meets Presidents of the European Commission, European Council and European Parliament by videoconference. In the meeting, the Prime Minister asks the EU leaders to “put a tiger in the tank” of stalled talks.

12 June
The second meeting of the EU-UK Joint Committee takes place.

20 May
UK government publishes The UK’s Approach to the Northern Ireland Protocol white paper. 

19 May
UK government publish ten draft treaty texts it has tabled in the future relationship negotiations alongside a letter from David Frost to Michel Barnier. Barnier responds the following day.

30 April
EU-UK Specialised Committee on the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland meets for the first time. 

30 March
EU-UK Joint Committee meet for the first time by teleconference, co-chaired by Michael Gove and European Commission Vice-President, Maroš Šefčovič.

18 March
The European Commission publish a draft legal agreement covering the future EU-UK partnership.

27 February
The UK government publish The Future Relationship with the EU: The UK’s Approach to Negotiations White Paper.

25 February
European Council adopts a decision to open negotiations with the UK on a new EU-UK partnership.

3 February
Prime Minister sets out the UK Government’s proposed approach to future UK-EU relationship negotiations. European Commission makes a recommendation to the European Council to open negotiations on a new UK-EU partnership.

1 February
Transition Period Begins.

31 January
The UK leaves the EU. The Withdrawal Agreement enters into force at midnight (CET) marking the end of the Article 50 process and the beginning of an 11-month transition period during which EU law will continue to apply in the UK.

30 January
The Withdrawal Agreement is ratified by the EU following approval from the European Parliament.

23 January
The European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Act 2020 receives Royal Assent. Section 5 of the 2020 Act gives the Withdrawal Agreement direct effect in UK law by amending the EU (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (new Section 7A).

11 January
The Northern Ireland Assembly is restored after parties accepted the ‘New Decade, New Approach’ Agreement.

2019

19 December
UK Government publishes the European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill which, if passed, would give the renegotiated UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement domestic legal force

12 December
UK General Election results in an 80-seat Conservative Party majority. The Prime Minister pledges to “get Brexit done” by 31 January 2020.

30 October
UK Government introduces the Early Parliamentary General Election Bill, that sets the date for a General Election to take place on 12 December, the Bill receives Royal Assent.

28 October
EU member states agree to a Brexit extension to 31 January 2020.

22 October
The EU (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill passes its second reading, but the programme motion is defeated. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson pauses the legislation.

21 October
The European Union (Withdrawal Agreement) Bill is introduced to Parliament.

19 October
At a Saturday sitting of Parliament, Prime Minister Boris Johnson presents his renegotiated Brexit deal but is defeated when the Letwin amendment is passed requiring the Prime Minsiter to request an extension to the Article 50 deadline. The Prime Minister sends a letter to European Council President Donald Tusk asking for an extension, as required. The letter is accompanied by an explanatory letter from the UK’s Permanent Representative to the EU and a personal letter from the Prime Minister stating why Downing Street does not want an extension.

17 October
EU and UK agree a revised Withdrawal Agreement and Political Declaration. The most substantive changes relate to the Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland which is no longer a ‘backstop’ arrangement but will rather apply in full after the end of the transition period. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson describes it as a “very good deal” for the UK and the EU. 

8 October
UK Government publishes the ‘No-Deal Readiness Report’ detailing the UK’s preparedness ahead of 31 October deadline.

3 October
Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlines the Government’s proposals for a new Brexit deal in a statement to the Commons. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar identifies two “major obstacles” with the Prime Minister’s plan, the first regarding customs and the second on consent.

2019 

24 September
UK Supreme Court rules in Miller 2 the decision to prorogue Parliament was unlawful. The Speaker of the House of Commons announces that House will sit again the next day.

18 September
European Parliament hold a debate on Brexit and pass a resolution affirming the new Parliament’s support for the current EU approach.

11 September
Court of Session in Scotland rules that Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s decision to prorogue parliament was unlawful. The UK Government publishes Operation Yellowhammer that outlines the possible consequences of a no-deal Brexit.

9 September
The European Union (Withdrawal) (No. 2) Act 2019 receives Royal Assent and parliament is prorogued.

4 September
MPs reject a motion to hold an early General Election.

16 August
Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar about the Withdrawal Agreement and Protocol. The Prime Minister also writes to European Council President Donald Tusk outlining his proposals for replacing the ‘backstop’ Protocol in the Withdrawal Agreement negotiated by Theresa May. 

30 July
Prime Minsiter Boris Johnson speaks with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar and says the UK is steadfast in its commitment to the Belfast ‘Good Friday’ Agreement.

25 July
Prime Minister commits to achieving Brexit by 31 October 2019 and – while hoping for a renegotiation of the Withdrawal Agreement – refuses to rule out the possibility of a ‘no-deal’ Brexit

24 July
Boris Johnson formally takes over as UK Prime Minister

23 July
Boris Johnson wins the Conservative Party leadership race securing 92,152 votes to Jeremy Hunt’s 46,656.

16 July
Ursula von der Leyen is elected as the European Commission’s first female President. Her term of office begins on 1 December 2019

2 July
First sitting of the new European Parliament. The European Council selects Charles Michel as its next President.

2019

24 June
Prime Minister Boris Johnson makes a statement to House of Commons about the recent European Council meeting

21 June
European Commission publishes reporton the Mapping Exercise on North-South Cooperation carried out in the first phase of EU-UK withdrawal negotiations.

20-21 June
European Council (EU27) briefly addresses Brexit and reaffirms the EU position on negotiations with EU leaders saying they looked forward to working with the next UK Prime Minister.

20 June
UK Government publishes its report on the Mapping Exercise on North-South Cooperation carried out in the first phase of EU-UK withdrawal negotiations. 

24 May
Prime Minister Theresa May announces she will resign as Conservative Party leader and Prime Minister on 7 June 2019.

23 May
UK votes in the European Parliament elections.

21 May
Prime Minister Theresa May gives a speech outlining her ‘New Brexit Deal’ including commitment from the UK Government to seek to conclude ‘Alternative Arrangements’ to replace the Ireland/Northern Ireland ‘backstop’ Protocol by December 2020.

17 May
Leader of the Opposition, Jeremy Corbyn, calls off the cross-party Brexit negotiations after six weeks of talks.

8 May
UK and Ireland sign a Memorandum of Understanding concerning the Common Travel Area and associated rights and privileges

10 April
European Council (EU27) agrees to extend Article 50 process until 31 October 2019.

5 April
UK requests a further extension to the Article 50 process until the end of June 2019.

1 April
MPs hold four ‘indicative votes’ on possible Brexit outcomes. All options are defeated.

2019

29 March
UK Government loses ‘Meaningful Vote 3’ on the Withdrawal Agreement. Prime Minister Theresa May outlines implications of the result in a point of order.

27 March
MPs hold eight ‘indicative votes’ on possible Brexit outcomes. All options are defeated.

21 March
European Council (EU27) grant an extension to the Article 50 timetable comprising of two possible dates: 22 May 2019 if the Withdrawal Agreement is approved by MPs at a vote the following week; or 12 April 2019 if it is not.

20 March
Prime Minister Theresa May writes to European Council President Donald Tusk requesting an extension to Article 50 until 30 June 2019.

14 March
MPs approve an amended Government motion, instructing UK Prime Minister Theresa May to seek permission from the EU to extend Article 50.

13 March
EU Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier makes a statement to the European Parliament following the rejection of the Withdrawal Agreement in the House of Commons. In a defeat for the UK Government, MPs vote to rule out a ‘no-deal Brexit’. UK Prime Minister Theresa May reaffirms her view that “the deal on the table is the only deal available” and confirms she will bring forward a motion to extend Article 50.

12 March
UK Attorney General gives a statement to the House of Commons on his legal opinion on the joint instrument and EU unilateral declaration concerning the Withdrawal Agreement. The UK Government loses ‘Meaningful Vote 2’ on the Withdrawal Agreement.

11 March
Prime Minister Theresa May meets European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and EU Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier in Strasbourg. A statement following the meeting outlines “legally binding” changes to the Brexit deal via a joint instrument and EU unilateral declaration.

20 February
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker meets Prime Minsiter Theresa May to discuss the ‘backstop’ Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland.

5 February
Prime Minister Theresa May gives a speech in Belfast outlining her thoughts on changing the ‘backstop’ Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland and re-opening negotiations on the Withdrawal Agreement.

30 January
European Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and EU Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier give speeches to the European Parliament on UK-EU negotiations.

16 January
MPs debate a motion of no confidence in the UK Government; Prime Minister Theresa May wins the vote and gives a statement inviting all parties to work together.

15 January
UK Prime Minister Theresa May loses the ‘Meaningful Vote’; the Leader of the Opposition tables a motion of no confidence in the government.

14 January
Prime Minister Theresa May gives a statement to the House of Commons about assurances and clarifications received from the EU on the ‘backstop’ Ireland/Northern Ireland Protocol.

9 January
MPs begin five days of debate on the Withdrawal Agreement.

UK Government publishes its Commitments to Northern Ireland and its Integral Place in the United Kingdom.

2018

20 December
UK reaches agreements with EFTA-EEA states and Switzerland on withdrawal issues including citizens’ rights post-Brexit.

13 December
The European Council (EU27) leaders and adopt conclusions on Brexit including assurances on the ‘backstop’ Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland 

12 December
Prime Minister Theresa May wins a vote of confidence in her leadership of the Conservative Party

10 December
Prime Minister Theresa May pulls the planned ‘Meaningful Vote’ on the Withdrawal Agreement.

Court of Justice of the European Union issues its judgment on the Wightman case, finding unilateral revocation of Article 50 TEU to be a sovereign right for any Member State. The Secretary of State for Exiting the EU Stephen Barclay makes a statement in the House of Commons about the ruling.

5 December
Government publishes Attorney General’s legal advice to Cabinet on the Withdrawal Agreement Protocol on Ireland and Northern Ireland. UK Prime Minister Theresa May speaks with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar about progress in UK-EU negotiations and specifically on the ‘backstop’ Protocol on Ireland/Northern Ireland in the Withdrawal Agreement. In the House of Commons, the UK Government suffer three defeats relating to its Brexit policy and is found to be in contempt of Parliament.

4 December
MPs begin the first of five days of debate on the Withdrawal Agreement leading up to a ‘Meaningful Vote’ on 11 December

25 November
European Council (EU27) endorses the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement and approve the political declaration on future EU-UK relations at a special European Council meeting. Prime Minister Theresa May issues statement.

15 November
Dominic Raab resigns as Secretary of State for Exiting the EU and is replaced by Stephen Barclay. Prime Minister Theresa May answers questions in the House of Commons about the Withdrawal Agreement.

14 November
UK Government and European Commission signal agreement on a UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement and a Political Declaration for the future relationship between the UK and EU.

1 November
The Northern Ireland Executive Formation and Execution of Functions Act 2018 receives Royal Assent. Its terms further delay the deadline for calling another Assembly election and grants exceptional powers to civil servants to make legislation for Northern Ireland.  

17 October
European Council (EU27) reviews the state of EU-UK negotiations with EU leaders reaffirming their confidence in EU Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier while noting that not enough progress has yet been made to reach agreement.

15 October
Prime Minister Theresa May meets with Sinn Féin leaders to discuss issues relating to the backstop and general concerns about Northern Ireland and its border with Ireland.

19-20 September
EU leaders hold an informal summit in Salzburg

24 July
UK Government White Paper on Legislating for the Withdrawal Agreement between the United Kingdom and the European Union is published.

18 July
Prime Minister Theresa May delivers a speech in Belfast emphasising her personal commitment to Northern Ireland and the Belfast ‘Good Friday’ Agreement.

9 July
David Davis resigns as Secretary of State for Exiting the EU and is replaced by Dominic Raab.

6 July
UK Cabinet meets at Chequers to agree a collective position for future UK-EU negotiations

2018

28-29 June
European Council meets; EU27 leaders discuss Brexit on the final day. The European Council (EU27) conclude “concern that no substantial progress has yet been made on agreeing a backstop solution for Ireland/Northern Ireland”.

26 June
The European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 receives Royal Assent

25 June
Prime Minister Theresa May meets European Council President Donald Tusk in London ahead of the upcoming European Council meeting. Meanwhile, in Brussels, Northern Ireland Secretary Karen Bradley meets EU Chief Negotiator Michel Barnier in Brussels and reiterates the UK Government’s "commitment to avoiding a hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland, and maintaining the constitutional and economic integrity of the UK as a whole”. 

19 June
UK government and European Commission publish a joint statement outlining the progress achieved on negotiations on the draft Withdrawal Agreement.

23 March
The European Council (EU27) adopts guidelines on the framework for the EU's post-Brexit relationship with the UK.

19 March
An amended draft Withdrawal Agreement is published. UK and European Commission negotiating teams state their shared aim to finalise the text by October 2018

14 March
European Parliament endorses a resolution on a framework for future EU-UK relations

2 March
Prime Minister Theresa May delivers a speech at Mansion House on the future UK-EU relationship

28 February
European Commission publishes a draft Withdrawal Agreement text based on commitments made in the Joint Report agreed in December 2017

6-8 February
The seventh round of UK-EU Article 50 negotiations takes place

29 January
European Commission’s new negotiating directives are adopted by the General Affairs (Article 50) Council and notes the importance of translating commitments in the December 2017 Joint Report into ‘legal text’.

2017

18 December
Prime Minister Theresa May gives a statement to the House of Commons following the European Council decision to move to Phase 2 negotiations. On Northern Ireland, the Prime Minister commits to “maintain the common travel area with Ireland; to uphold the Belfast Agreement in full; to avoid a hard border between Northern Ireland and Ireland, while upholding the constitutional and economic integrity of the whole United Kingdom”.

15 December
European Council (EU27) adopts new guidelines for Phase 2 the withdrawal negotiations

8 December
The UK and EU publish a Joint Report on progress during Phase 1 of negotiations under Article 50 TEU on the UK’s orderly withdrawal from the European Union to conclude Phase 1 of negotiations. This provides for a move to Phase 2 during which transition and a framework for future EU-UK relations will be discussed alongside a continued dialogue on the unique circumstances on the island of Ireland. Prime Minister Theresa May also publishes open letter to the people of Northern Ireland.

1 December
European Council President Donald Tusk meets Taoiseach Leo Varadkar in Dublin

23 November
Leaked Irish Government paper describes UK approach to negotiations as “chaotic”.

10 November
Secretary of State for Exiting the EU David Davis gives statement at the end of the sixth round of UK-EU Article 50 negotiations

23 October
Prime Minister Theresa May makes a statement in the House of Commons on the European Council meeting.

19-20 October
European Council meeting includes EU27 consideration on whether ‘sufficient progress’ has been made on citizens’ rights, UK financial contributions and the unique circumstances on the island of Ireland for UK-EU negotiations to move to Phase 2

17 October
Secretary of State for Exiting the EU David Davis gives statement at the end of the fifth round of UK-EU Article 50 negotiations

3 October
European Parliament adopts a Resolution on the state of play of negotiations with the United Kingdom

28 September
Secretary of State for Exiting the EU David Davis makes a statement at the end of the fourth round of UK-EU Article 50 negotiations

22 September
Prime Minister Theresa May delivers key speech in Florence setting out UK’s position on how to move the Brexit talks forward and proposing a transition period after the UK formally leaves the EU

31 August
Secretary of State for Exiting the EU David Davis makes a statement at the end of the third round of UK-EU Article 50 negotiations

16 August
UK government publishes a position paper on Northern Ireland and Ireland

15 August
UK government publishes negotiating position papers including a proposal for a future UK-EU customs relationship

20 July
Secretary of State for Exiting the EU David Davis makes a statement at the end of the second round of UK-EU Article 50 negotiations

14 July
Second round of UK-EU Article 50 negotiations begin

13 July
UK government introduces the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill

2017

26 June
Conservatives and Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) enter a Confidence and Supply Agreement meaning Theresa May’s minority government is now reliant on DUP MP’s support to command a majority in parliament

19 June
The first round of UK-EU withdrawal negotiations begin. UK and EU chief negotiators release statements.

9 June
Prime Minister Theresa May announces she is forming a minority government. Negotiations between the Conservative Party and Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) begin regarding DUP support for the new minority government

8 June
UK General Election results in a hung parliament, the Conservatives win the most seats (318) but short of the number required for a majority in parliament (325)

2 May
Irish Government publishes Ireland and the negotiations on the UK’s Withdrawal from the European Union: The Government’s Approach paper.

29 April
EU27 unanimously adopt guidelines for UK-EU withdrawal negotiations at a Special European Council (Article 50) meeting

18 April
Prime Minister Theresa May calls a General Election – to be held on 8 June 2017 

30 March
UK government publishes The Repeal Bill White Paper

29 March
Prime Minister Theresa May writes to European Council President Donald Tusk to notify the EU of the UK’s intention, under Article 50 of the Treaty on European Union, to withdraw from the EU.

20 March
Secretary of State for Exiting the EU David Davis writes to Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) MP Mark Durkan on matters concerning Brexit and Northern Ireland.

16 March
European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Act receives Royal Assent

15 March
Irish Government publishes Brexit: Ireland’s Priorities paper. 

2 March
Elections to the Northern Ireland Assembly return the Democratic Unionuist Party as the largest party with 28 seats and Sinn Féin as second largest with 27 seats.  The parties have three weeks to form a power-sharing government.

2 February
UK government publishes The United Kingdom’s exit from, and new partnership with, the European Union White Paper that formally sets out its strategy for UK-EU withdrawal negotiations

26 January
The European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill is published

24 January
The UK Supreme Court rejects the UK government’s appeal in Miller vs Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, stating UK Ministers “require the authority of primary legislation” in order to triggering Article 50. On questions raised concerning devolved consent and specific issues “of a constitutional nature” regarding Northern Ireland. The Court holds that the UK Parliament is not legally required to seek devolved consent nor do any questions specific to Northern Ireland impinge on the overall judgment.

17 January 
In her Lancaster House speech, Prime Minister Theresa May sets out her governments’ 12 negotiating priorities including leaving the EU Single Market, leaving the jurisdiction of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) and maintaining the Common Travel Area (CTA) with Ireland

16 January
The Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly collapse as parties disagree over the Renewable Heat Incentive scandal, an Irish Language Act and Brexit.

10 January
Northern Ireland Secretary James Brokenshire makes a statement on the political situation in Northern Ireland.

 2016

28 October
Belfast High Court rejects McCord case against lawfulness of UK Government’s plan to trigger Article 50 of the Treaty of the European Union (TEU). 

14 October
Prime Minister Theresa May  replies to Northern Ireland Executive letter of 10 August regarding Northern Ireland priorities in UK-EU negotiations.

10 August
Northern Ireland Executive's First Minister and Deputy First Minister write to Prime Minister Theresa May outlining Northern Ireland priorities for UK-EU negotiations.

13 July
Theresa May becomes the new UK Prime Minister

24 June
Prime Minister David Cameron announces his resignation. Leaders of EU27 and the Netherlands EU Presidency release a statement on the outcome of the UK referendum.

23 June
UK holds referendum on EU membership: 51.9% vote for Leave and 48.1% vote for Remain

22 February
Prime Minister David Cameron announces EU referendum date – 23 June 2016

 2015

17 December
The European Union Referendum Act receives Royal Assent, providing for a referendum on the UK’s future membership of the EU

14 April 
The Conservative Party Manifesto commits to “hold an in-out referendum on our membership of the EU before the end of 2017”

23 January
Prime Minister David Cameron says he is in favour of holding an in/out referendum on UK’s EU membership in a speech at Bloomberg